With a 24-point lead at the top of the Scottish Premiership table, Celtic were only seven points away from winning their sixth league title in a row ahead of historic Old Firm Derby against arch-rivals Rangers FC. Rangers, third in the table with 33 points lower than the Bhoys, were hoping for some achievement from the campaign by beating Celtic at Celtic Park. It might not have been a win but, Graeme Murty, the caretaker manager, pulled off a great show and managed a 1-1 draw in his last game in charge before being replaced by former Al-Gharafa head coach Pedro Caixinha.
Below are the Celtic players rated from the fixture.
Craig Gordon: 7
The custodian had an excellent outing as he denied Martyn Waghorn spectacularly, twice in two halves. Did well to push out Emerson Hyndman’s thumping shot, could have done nothing to deny Clint Hill who picked up the loose ball and fired it into the net in closing minutes.
Mikael Lustig: 6
Lustig made a few forward runs at times to offer support to his attackers, however, he should have done better as the Gers repeatedly explored Celtic’s right-hand flank to find an equaliser.
Dedryck Boyata: 6
An early mistake could have cost his side conceding early into the game. Looked nervy in front of Miller and Waghorn.
Erik Sviatchenko: 7
Had a tremulous start in the second half. But the Dane settled in quickly and delivered a steady performance in defence.
Kieran Tierney: 7
Spent more time in attack and combined well with Sinclair who repeatedly tore the Gers’ defence apart. Created a few decent opportunities in Celtic’s attacking third.
Nir Bitton: 6
Bitton enjoyed a decent first half in the heart of midfield before being subbed off at half-time with injury concerns.
Scott Brown: 6.5
The skipper helped his defence deal with Rangers’ counter attacks. Was clumsy while tackling at times towards the end.
James Forrest: 7
The Scottish winger had an impressive afternoon as he kept on pressing up front. Combined well with Armstrong who netted Celtic’s opener.
Stuart Armstrong: 8
Scored from a thumping strike in the first half and tested custodian Wes Foderingham along with Rangers’ backline repeatedly with his skills, directness and pace before being replaced by Leigh Griffiths.
Scott Sinclair: 7
Tore apart Gers’ defence from left-hand flank and created ample amount of opportunities for Dembele, Armstrong and Griffiths later. Could have done better with his decision making during final passes.
Moussa Dembélé: 6
The highly rated youngster had a few half chances to convert but failed to capitalise. Linked up well with fellow attackers and played a few smart one-twos to break down Gers’ defence.
Substitutes
Callum McGregor: 5
Replaced Bitton and half time; failed to create similar impact and could have done better to help his defence by breaking Rangers’ counter attacks and not allowing them free space in midfield.
Patrick Roberts: 5
Roberts has been one of Celtic’s most influential performers in their extremely successful domestic campaign. However, the youngster had a quiet outing since his introduction as a second-half substitute in place of James Forrest.
Leigh Griffiths: 6
The forward did well to drill through Rangers’ backline and came close to leave a mark on the scoresheet.
